Hello and thank you.
my question is. outside unit, fan operating when thermostat set to cool
but no compressor operation. fan on furnace works properly.
any parts that i could change myself.
thank you again.

hennyh

07-07-2010 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpy 37
(Post 466663)

Hello and thank you.
my question is. outside unit, fan operating when thermostat set to cool
but no compressor operation. fan on furnace works properly.
any parts that i could change myself.
thank you again.

Symptoms sound like a bad capacitor. If you want to attempt it yourself then pull the disconnect and pay close attention to the wiring. The new capacitor will need to be at or higher voltage spec. yet the same capacitance value(s).

If in doubt hire it done. A capacitor replacement "shouldn't" be too expensive.

grumpy 37

07-07-2010 11:14 PM

hi.
thank you very much for the info.I took the cover off the condenser unit and did see what looks like 2 capacitors. possibly 1 for the fan.
It's the hottest night of the year, i think. i will call around tomorrow.
thank you again.

hennyh

07-07-2010 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpy 37
(Post 466726)

hi.
thank you very much for the info.I took the cover off the condenser unit and did see what looks like 2 capacitors. possibly 1 for the fan.
It's the hottest night of the year, i think. i will call around tomorrow.
thank you again.

One cap. is often a dual run cap. One terminal is common (C), one is for the fan (F) and one is for the compressor (H).

The second cap. is often a start cap for the compressor.

If you see bulging/oozing then the cap is suspect. Other then that you really need to disconnect the leads to test them.

Caps like to fail the hottest day of the year.

Fortunately they're one of the least expensive repairs to an HVAC system.

grumpy 37

07-08-2010 07:30 PM

a/c working

thank you for information.
tested both capacitors. #1 for the fan. 4 micro farad. tested 2.82.
#2 compresser. label 25 micro farad. tested .38 nano farad. the top was slightly bulging.
replaced both. system working normal..whew!!.
thanks again:thumbsup:
this site was a great help. Its all i needed with a little common sense.